Jack Jackter Intermediate School students are using their hearts, their hands and their creativity to help children in poverty-stricken Haiti.

This year, about 15 children in grades 3-5 joined Clay Aid, a production company developed by Jackter art instructor Kathy Brandon, to design, produce and market clay pendants and necklaces.

The students were able to sell their necklaces at the school store, and during some school functions. Prices for each piece range from $1 to $5, with some “Artists Select” pendants selling for $10.

All the money goes to the Restavec Freedom Alliance, which sets up homes to care for former child slaves in Haiti. It is part of the nonprofit organization Bethesda Evangelical Mission.

The Colchester children raised $631 in sales, according to Brandon. The students must decide how to spend the money.

“They have to decide whether they want to buy a cow or chickens or school supplies,” Brandon said.

Third-grader Leah Migliaccio said it is important to help the Haitian children.

“Not all the children get to go to school, and they don’t have a lot of money,” she said. “This way, they’ll have more milk and eggs, and the kids will be healthier.”

Brandon, who makes and markets her own line of pendants to raise money for the Restavec home, plans to travel to Haiti in August, and will bring with her pieces the Colchester children made for the children in Haiti.

“(The students) got to see a picture of who they were making these for,” Brandon said. “I hope to create some ‘clay buddy’ relationships between our kids and the kids in the Restavec home.”

Third-grader Chris Santoro enjoyed the experience of making his own pendants.

“You need to take your time, so you can make it the best you can, and have fun doing it,” he said.